Artist Graham Ovenden guilty of indecency charges
A well-known artist from Cornwall has been found guilty of indecency against young girls.
Graham Ovenden denied the charges, which dated back about 40 years and were said to have occurred in London and Cornwall.
During the trial at Truro Crown Court the jury was shown examples of the 70-year-old's work, much of it involving children.
Ovenden was convicted on six counts of indecency and one of indecent assault.
He was cleared on three counts of indecency and two of indecent assault.
Ovenden, of Barley Splatt, near Bodmin Moor in Cornwall, was not present in court, having been taken ill last week.
Judge Graham Cottle released Ovenden on bail and adjourned sentencing for a date to be fixed at Plymouth Crown Court.
A former pupil under Sir Peter Blake, Ovenden has had work exhibited in galleries across the globe.
He had denied all the charges relating to four children - now all adults - between 1972 and 1985.
Ovenden was described in court by prosecutor Ramsay Quaife as "a paedophile" who abused children while they modelled for him.
But the artist denied the abuse ever happened. He told the court he had taken pictures of children - including those in various states of undress - but said they were not indecent.
When giving evidence, Ovenden said there was a "witch-hunt" against those who produce work involving naked children and he accused police of "falsifying" images recovered from his home computer.
--BBC
Husband & Wife found guilty of corruption
Assistant Collector of Customs, Sonji Williams and her husband Oliver Williams, were found guilty of corruption in the Grand Turk Magistrates Court today.
Both defendants were fined $5,000 each and sentenced to a 12-month suspended sentence. Both were also barred from government service for two years. Senior Customs Officer Sonji Williams and her husband were arrested on November 8th last year in a joint Integrity Commission and Police operation.
The Williams’ were both charged with corruption offences whilst in public office. The charges were based on the illegal importation of a horse on March 14th last year. Eugene Otuonye, Director of the Integrity Commission, said the significance of this prosecution went well beyond the illegal importation of a horse.
The corrupt actions of the two officials had threatened to undermine the trust and confidence that the public placed in their law enforcement officials. The restrictions placed on the importation of animals were designed to protect the economic well being and public health of the islands. An outbreak of animal disease could cause havoc on the tourist industry.
The Integrity Commission thanked the Police and other collaborative efforts in the successful prosecution.
Lobster season closes in April
The Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs is reminding all fishing interests that the 2012-2013 Lobster Season will close at midnight on Sunday April 14th. The Fisheries Protection Ordinance 2009 provides for a close season on lobster between April and July each year.
During the closed season, it is illegal for fishermen to land or trade in lobsters and for restaurants and hotels to serve lobsters. DEMA therefore urges all hotel and restaurant managers to ensure that they have NO lobsters in their possession at the end of the season. Fishers are also being reminded that in the remaining days of the season, berried lobsters, or lobsters with eggs, must be returned to the water. The Department of Environment and Maritime Affairs anticipates the compliance of the stated laws and regulations by all citizens, residents and visitors in the Turks and Caicos Islands. It’s worth remembers that under Regulation 12 (3) (b) of The Fisheries Protection Ordinance 2009: “Any person who purchases or is in possession of any marine product during a period which is a closed season for that species of marine product commits an offence.” For additional information regarding the closing of the lobster season call DEMA at 941-5122.
World Health Week begins on April 7th
World Health Week begins on April 7th as we reported earlier in the week – and events are being held all around the world to celebrate it. One of the major subjects being discussed is cardiovascular disease and its links with high cholesterol, RTC’s Health Correspondent Nurse Beatrice Burton told Nish Wilson about the dangers for people who live with high cholesterol levels.
Cabinet Meeting for March 27th,2013
The Cabinet of the Turks and Caicos Islands Government met yesterday. Members discussed the issue of reduced airline services to the island of South Caicos and the impact of subsidizing such services.
Cabinet agreed that the provision of regular scheduled airline services to South Caicos is vital to the islands economy and essential services. Cabinet agreed to further evaluate the value for money of providing such service through a competitive tender process since more than one airline is available and has expressed interest in providing the service.
Cabinet received a presentation from members of the European Union EDF 10 team who are in country meeting with the Ministry of Finance and various Government Ministries to plan for the allocation of the EDF 10 grant of 15 million dollars over a 3 year period which is to be utilized as budget support. Cabinet discussed several papers from ministers concerning the appointment of members to a number of statutory boards which expire on March 3st.
The listing of Boards and those members appointed will be gazetted prior to April 1st. The Permanent Secretary for Government Support Services and the Water Engineer along with the Minister for GSS presented a paper on improving water services in Grand Turk.
The recommendations made included the shipping of the already purchased RO plant in advance of the completion of the new building to house the new plant, but this was recommended against and also the installation of new water meters to implement a pre-metering system and the rreview and fate of outstanding bills by customer.
Cabinet discussed a paper concerning the provision of office space for the Premier and other Ministers and space for the Treasury Dept, Ministry of Finance and several other departments on Providenciales. The conclusions drawn were that the Premier and Ministers will not relocate into the proposed accommodation which would only accommodate the Treasury and Ministry of Finance, and in the interim a request for extension of lease of the Hon. Hilly Ewing Building will be made to NIB and this space will be occupied by the Premier and Governor. Additional space is being asssessed to relocate SIPT, and also space for housing of the other Government Ministers, AG Chambers and DPP.
Cabinet also received updates and requests from a number of developers concerning their development projects.
Governor Todd takes off on a break
His Excellency the Governor, Ric Todd, begins a period of planned annual leave today and will return to the Turks & Caicos Islands on Tuesday, 9th April. During his period of absence the Deputy Governor Anya Williams has been sworn in as the Acting Governor.
Anguilla's Zharnell Hughes & Barbados Mario Burke wins gold as Carifta continues
In what has been described as a stunning upset, Anguilla's Zharnell Hughes sprinted to gold in the 100m U20 final at the 2013 Carifta games being held in Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas at the Thomas A. Robinson national stadium. The race was the final one on Saturday, March 30th, 2013 and result seemed to truly shock the television commentators. Hughes finished in 10.44 seconds ahead of Jamaica's Jazeel Murphy and Antigua & Barbuda's Tahir Walsh.
Meanwhile, after a long disappointing day on the track and in the field for Barbados, Mario Burke finally gave Team 246 something to shout about when he slammed the field to win the Under-17 Boys’ 100 metres at the Carifta Games in the Bahamas.
It was not even close. Burke lit up the track at the Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium to cross the line first in 10.61 seconds. Second was Keanu Pennerman of the Bahamas in 10.85 while Jamaica’s Jelani Walker was third in 10.93 seconds.
Later in the evening, Barbados won its second medal of the games when Akela Jones predictably won the Under-20 Girls’ Long Jump with 6.19 metres. Jamaica took the next two medal positions with Tamara Moncrieffe second with 6.01 metres, while Claudette Allen was third with 5.97 metres.
However, the other athletes did not get to taste success on the first day of competition.
Tristan Evelyn finished fourth in the Under-17 Girls’ 100 metres in 12.10 seconds. Jamaica’s Natalliah Whyte took the gold in 11.88 seconds, with Nelda Huggins of the BVI taking the silver in 11.94 seconds while Jamaica’s Shellece Clarke won the bronze in 12.00 seconds.
Levi Cadogan was a disappointing fifth in the Under-20 Boys’ 100 metres in 10.53 seconds. Anguilla’s Zharnel Hughes stunned everyone when he captured the gold medal in 10.44 seconds, beating favourite Jahzeel Murphy (10.48) of Jamaica into second place. Taking the bronze was Tahir Walsh of Antigua and Barbuda with a time of 10.49 seconds.
In the Under-20 Girls’ 100 metres Shavonne Husbands finished seventh in 12.05 seconds. Bahamas took the first two medal positions with Devyn Charlton winning gold in11.60 seconds, while Carmeisha Cox took the silver in 10.61 seconds. Jamaica’s Monique Spencer was third in 11.64 seconds.
Tiana Bowen was seventh in the Under-17 Girls’ 400 metres in 58.75 seconds. Taking the gold medal was Jamaica’s Tiffany James in 55.13 seconds; the silver medal went to the BVI’s Tarika Moses in 55.83 seconds, while the bronze medal went to Bahamas’ Doneisha Anderson in 56.36 seconds.
Ramarco Thompson was also seventh in the Under-17 Boys’ 400 metres in 51.71 seconds. Jamaica’s Martin Manely won in 47.72 seconds, with Bahamas’ Kinard Rolle in 48.05 seconds, while Guyana’s Jason Yaw was third in 48.53 seconds.
Ariel Jackson was fourth in the Under-20 Girls’ 400 metres in 55.34 seconds. Shaunae Miller of the Bahamas won in an impressive 51.63 seconds with Jamaica’s Chris-Ann Gordon second in 53.22 seconds and in third was Guyana’s Kadecia Baird in 54.28 seconds.
Tristan Whitehall finished sixth in the Under-20 Boys’ Discus with a best throw of 47.20 metres. Jamaica took gold and silver with Frederick Dacres winning with a big heave of 61.27 metres and Chadrick Dacosta second with 55.61 metres and picking up the bronze was Eldred Henry of the British Virgin Islands with 52.06 metres.
Ashley Williams finished in eighth position in the Under-20 Girls’ Shot Putt with 11.87 metres. Winning was Guadeloupe’s Christine Gavarin with 13.04 metres, second was Jamaica’s Gleneve Grange with 13.02 metres, while in third was Trevia Gumbs of the BVI with 12.59 metres.
Joshua Hunte finished ninth in the Under-20 Boys’ 1500 metres in 4:13.26. Taking the gold medal was Trinidad and Tobago’s Mark London in 4:01.07, with the silver medal going to St. Lucia’s Marbeq Edgar in 4:01.75, while the bronze went to Jamaica’s Chadoye Dawson in 4:04.14.
Two arrested as cricketer remains in an induced coma
Jesse Ryder has been "interacting with his family" as police charged a second man about the incident which left the New Zealand cricketer in an induced coma in hospital.
Ryder, the 28-year-old Wellington all-rounder, was "stable" in Christchurch Hospital on Friday having been admitted in the early hours of Thursday morning after suffering multiple injuries, including a fractured skull, in the attack.
Police investigating the incident has confirmed two men – a 20-year-old and a 37-year-old – would appear in court on 4 April after being charged with assault.
Ryder remained in an induced coma on Friday, but had responded to his family and doctors, according to the New Zealand Cricket Players' Association chief executive Heath Mills.
Mills said: "Jesse is in a stable condition in intensive care. He has been responsive and has been interacting with his family and the medical team.
"Jesse is still in an induced coma and still needing support with breathing following an injury to his lungs. In terms of a head injury, it cannot be fully determined at this stage what the effects of a knock to Jesse's head are. We will know more once he comes out of the coma."
Police have said Ryder was involved in an altercation with a group of people outside Aikmans bar in the Christchurch suburb of Merivale shortly after 12.30am local time, and was then assaulted by one of the group who followed him towards the car park of a nearby McDonald's.
After reviewing CCTV footage, police now believe only two people were involved in the initial incident.
Having earlier confirmed a 20-year-old man had been charged, police today released a statement saying: "Police have interviewed a 37-year-old male in relation to his involvement in an altercation with cricketer Jesse Ryder. This person has been arrested and charged with assault and will appear in Christchurch District Court on Thursday 4 April."
Detective senior-sergeant Brian Archer earlier confirmed the 20-year-old was charged in relation to "the initial incident" and that there was a "family connection" between the two.
According to Ryder's agent, Aaron Klee, Ryder had given doctors a "thumbs up". He added on stuff.co.nz: "They are assessing his coma at the moment and when the right time will be to bring him out of the coma."
Ryder, a controversial figure whose career has been plagued by off-field incidents, is on an indefinite break from international cricket and has not played for New Zealand since February last year.
Serena sets Key Biscane record with win in final
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Serena Williams broke the Key Biscayne women’s record for most titles, and Maria Sharapova set a new standard for futility in finals.
Williams swept the final 10 games and earned her sixth championship in the event yesterday by rallying past Sharapova 4-6, 6-3, 6-0 at the Sony Open.
Sharapova completed a career Grand Slam by winning the French Open last year, but she’s now 0-5 in Key Biscayne finals. After playing nearly flawless tennis for an hour, she began to miss with her serve, and Williams dominated rallies down the stretch.
Williams faltered only during the trophy ceremony.
“I felt good today,” she told the crowd with the smile. “It’s so good to be No. 6 now—I mean, the six-time—oh, gosh. Thank you.”
Williams has won 11 consecutive matches against Sharapova, whose last victory in the rivalry came in 2004.
“Serena played a great match,” Sharapova said. “I’m sure we’ll be playing a few more times this year.”
At 31, the No. 1-ranked Williams became the oldest female champion at Key Biscayne. She won the tournament for the first time since 2008 and surpassed Steffi Graf, a five-time champion.
Williams lives two hours up I-95 in Palm Beach Gardens and considers the tournament her home event.
Today, 2009 champion Andy Murray will play first-time Key Biscayne finalist David Ferrer for the men’s title.
The women’s final began at high noon in sunny, mild weather, and the quality of play matched the conditions in the early going. The aggressive style of both finalists made for slam-bang points, and the occasional long rally had a near-capacity crowd gasping at the ferocity of the strokes.
Sharapova built her lead by keeping Williams on the defensive, and she kissed the line with a winner on consecutive points to break for a 3-2 advantage in the second set.
Then came the turnaround. Williams began to feast on Sharapova’s tentative second serve and broke back at love, then took advantage of two double-faults by Sharapova to break again for a 5-3 lead.
Sharapova made 80 per cent of her first serves early on but finished at 63. Williams converted all seven break-point chances and had a 35-13 advantage in winners.
“She definitely pushed me, and I definitely look forward to our next matches,” Williams said. “It’s going to be really fun for the fans and for us and for everyone.” Williams lost only 10 points in the final set and closed out the victory with a service winner, then was hopping, spinning, waving and grinning in jubilation as the crowd roared.
She became the first No. 1-seeded woman to win the title since she was champion nine years ago. She’ll remain No. 1 and Sharapova No. 2 next week.
Sharapova also lost the final in 2005, ‘06, ‘11 and ‘12. Williams’ other titles came in 2002, ‘03, ‘04, ‘07 and ‘08.
Another goal, another record for Messi
Barcelona’s World Player of the Year Lionel Messi scored in a 19th successive La Liga match yesterday, entering a new statistic in the record books by netting against every team in the league consecutively.
The Argentine set up Barca’s first and scored the second but struggling Celta Vigo spoiled his celebrations by grabbing an 88th-minute equaliser to hold the visitors to a 2-2 draw.
Messi’s goal was his 30th in the 19-game run and his 43rd overall in the league this season.
He is seven short of last season’s Spanish league record tally of 50 for a campaign, with nine games left to play.
“The run is the least important thing,” Messi, who had just captained Barca for the first time in a league game, told reporters in Vigo.
“I have been lucky to score and to help the team in games. I don’t give the records any importance. The important thing today was to win.
“It is difficult for everyone after the break for internationals, and it is never easy to play teams who are fighting to stay in the division.”
Messi had a free kick pushed round the post, and a shout for a penalty turned away before he set up Cristian Tello for Barca’s equaliser before halftime with a curling ball over the top of the defence.
Winger Tello returned the favour with a low cross into the area in the 73rd minute, and Messi struck a first-time shot low into the far corner.
His scoring run started on November 11 and includes a four-goal blast against Osasuna and eight doubles.
“It’s an unprecedented record,” Barca assistant coach Jordi Roura told a news conference. “It proves what a great player he is.
“Those of us who are lucky enough to experience this with him appreciate what he does, and are able to enjoy it.
“Only with time will we truly value what this player is doing. It’s incredible.”
Barca top La Liga by 13 points from second-placed Real Madrid, who drew 1-1 at Real Zaragoza.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored Real’s goal, his 28th goal in 28 league appearances.